Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a growth factor that has a central role in sustaining brain function. Besides the brain, BDNF is also expressed in immune cells. In preclinical models, anth Show more
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a growth factor that has a central role in sustaining brain function. Besides the brain, BDNF is also expressed in immune cells. In preclinical models, anthocyanins (AC) consumption has been associated with benefits in BDNF homeostasis. This study investigated in healthy adults if the simultaneous consumption of a high-fat meal (HFM) with a cyanidin/delphinidin-rich extract (CDRE) could affect circulating BDNF, and Show less
Transcriptomics provides mechanistic insights into chemical toxicity and serves as a hypothesis-generating tool for prioritizing potential adverse outcomes. Here, we introduced a transcriptomics-guide Show more
Transcriptomics provides mechanistic insights into chemical toxicity and serves as a hypothesis-generating tool for prioritizing potential adverse outcomes. Here, we introduced a transcriptomics-guided outcome prediction (T-GOP) framework, a hypothesis-informed approach that uses transcriptomic enrichment to prioritize end points for targeted experimental validation. As a case study, the ecotoxicological effects of the PFOS alternative, sodium Show less
Depression, a complex global disorder with unmet therapeutic needs, imposes profound societal burdens. Yueju Pill (YJP), a classic TCM formula targeting 'six stagnations', synergistically integrates f Show more
Depression, a complex global disorder with unmet therapeutic needs, imposes profound societal burdens. Yueju Pill (YJP), a classic TCM formula targeting 'six stagnations', synergistically integrates five herbs (Atractylodes, Cyperus, Ligusticum, Gardenia and Massa Medicata) to restore Qi-blood homeostasis. Contemporary evidence delineates its multitarget antidepressant efficacy: normalising monoaminergic neurotransmission and the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway, potentiating neurotrophic support (BDNF/eEF2) for neuroplasticity, antagonising neuroinflammation via microglial M1-to-M2 polarisation and NF-κB/MAPK inhibition, mitigating oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction and enhancing synaptic plasticity through glial/neuronal gene regulation (e.g., GADD45g/PHGDH). This synthesis of TCM principles with mechanistic evidence positions YJP as a holistic, systems-level therapeutic candidate, advocating for rigorous clinical validation and integration into precision psychiatry. Show less
Throughout time, there has always been a trend connecting stress and tangible damage to one's physical well-being. However, there's a lack of research that elucidates the physical and molecular traits Show more
Throughout time, there has always been a trend connecting stress and tangible damage to one's physical well-being. However, there's a lack of research that elucidates the physical and molecular traits of this stress on organ integrity. Chronic stress disrupts homeostasis, causing oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammatory markers, and histological damage. In this study, a repeated forced-swim stress was used to induce stress in the C57BL/6 mice model, and its effects on the brain and liver were analyzed at behavioral, biochemical, histological, and genetic marker levels. Behavioral analysis showed reduced mobility duration in experimental mice. This was further supplemented by histopathological data, which revealed mild brain deterioration and moderate liver damage. Biochemical analysis revealed upregulated levels of aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and decreased levels of mean corpuscular hemoglobin, pointing toward the existence of liver dysfunctionality due to stress. Moreover, we reported the gene expression analysis of stress biomarkers (Bdnf, Fkbp5, Npy, Comt, Ppm1f, Adra2b, and Slc6a4), with a particular focus on Fkbp5, which is associated with depression and cognitive impairment. Similarly, we also studied the expressions of Crp, Cyp2e1, and Irs-2 to gauge liver damage. Results revealed significantly upregulated expression of Npy, Fkbp5, and Ppm1f in stressed mice. Our study identifies that chronic stress shows physical and molecular realizations. Additionally, this offers further incentive to look closely at Fkbp5, Npy, and Ppm1f under similar conditions and highlights their possible roles as markers of stress-induced damage. Show less